Speaker Profiles

Alexia Hilbertidou

GirlBoss NZ

Speaker, Advocate and Entrepreneur

Described by the NZ Herald as the Headmistress of Gen Z, Alexia Hilbertidou (Hill - burr - Tea - do) is the founder of GirlBoss NZ - NZ's largest organisation for young women. Founded when Alexia was just 16, GirlBoss now has 17 and a half thousand members.

Alexia’s mission is to get women to the table - the boardroom table that is, and she believes the decisions made while young are crucial in paving the way.

Alexia has received over 30 awards for her work, including being named Pacific Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist for 2025 Young New Zealander of the Year, the Most Influential NZ Woman under 25 at the Westpac Women of Influence Award, Forbes 30 under 30, a National Geographic Explorer, and Finalist for World Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Alexia was also awarded a Queen's Young Leader Award for Services to the Commonwealth by Her Majesty, The Queen, at Buckingham Palace. She was selected from over 20,000 nominations and is the youngest Commonwealth Citizen to hold this honour.

Through her jaw-dropping stories, Alexia proves that you are never too young (or too short) to create change.

Amanda Smith

Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board

General Counsel

Amanda Smith has been a lawyer with the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board for the past 13 years, serving as General Counsel for the last 11. In this role, she provides strategic legal advice and supports the Board’s regulatory and governance functions.

Prior to joining the Board, Amanda worked in private practice and extensively in the public and wider state sector, bringing a broad and well-rounded perspective to her work.

Andi Burrell

ANOROC

Principal

Andi Burrell is the founder of ANOROC, a consultancy specialising in the reinstatement of buildings affected by performance issues or product failure. With over 20 years of experience, he is a leading Remedial Specialist, best known for his Owner Advocacy.

He serves as an independent intermediary for Bodies Corporate and Commercial Property Managers, impartially representing owner collectives throughout complex remedial projects. His direct, no-surprises approach and unwavering commitment to achieving the right outcomes have established him as a trusted expert, leading to High Court-appointed administration roles.

Andi is a member of the Project Management Institute, Strata Community Association, The Law Association, the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand, and the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand, with whom he has accepted an invitation to share invaluable insights from the frontline.

Anthony Parkes

PFITS Consultancy Limited

Director

Tony is an experienced consulting fire engineer, providing independent fire and passive engineering design and advice to the construction industry. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer in New Zealand with over 28 years’ experience, including time as fire engineer for the New Zealand Fire Service (now FENZ), Auckland Council and other consultancies.

He has considerable experience in building assessment and review, and has developed fire engineered designs for a range of projects including; hotels, apartments, offices, retail/crowd merchandising, bar & nightclubs, warehouses, retirements facilities, airports, museums/theatres, and historic buildings.ony started PFITS Consultancy in an effort to provide solutions to the issues found after design that occur when projects are constructed. In doing so he has been active in discovering a lack of information supporting compliance of a number of building products use in New Zealand, including fire doors.

Bo-Yao Lee

Ministry of Justice

Chief Advisor - Technical Design Standards

Bo-Yao has over 25 years of experience in policy development and implementation in property-related engineering, design, emergency management, insurance and risk management. She has served in various advisory roles within NZ central government agencies over the last 20 years. Prior to that, she worked in Taiwan central government; her work included managing an all-of-government programme, aiming at mitigating debris flow disasters following large earthquakes and typhoons, involving collaboration from over 20 central and local government agencies.

Bo-Yao is experienced in collaborating with industry experts, helping to shape and implement critical technical policies for large government property portfolios. She bridges between technical industry expertise and non-technical officials, by utilising industry experts to help address challenging issues. Bo-Yao was conferred as a Fellow of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) in 2025 for her services both to NZSEE and for her work in earthquake engineering professional practice in New Zealand.

Cameron Rodger

Carter Holt Harvey Group

Technical Director

Cameron is the Technical Director for the Carter Holt Harvey Group where he is responsible for product and system development, software and literature development and compliance for the wide range of wood-based products and solutions. Cameron is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a member of Engineering New Zealand, Engineers Australia and has been a member of both Australian and New Zealand Standards Committees. Cameron is the current Chair of Australian Standards technical committee TM-010, Timber Structures and Framing.

A timber engineering specialist for nearly 30 years, Cameron’s experience includes research, design and fabrication, manufacturing, and engineering consultancy. Cameron has a focus on buildability and efficiency throughout the supply chain supporting solutions that are easy to design, specify, fabricate, and install across residential, industrial, and commercial structures.

Charlene Fairnie

Rice Speir

Special Counsel - Civil litigation, Local government and public law

Charlene is a specialist litigation lawyer with a breadth of experience in disputes relating to defective buildings. She has represented the full spectrum of parties involved in the construction of residential and commercial buildings, including owners, contractors, professionals, manufacturers and suppliers of building products, and local government bodies.

Charlene regularly appears in the High Court and has also appeared in the Court of Appeal. She complements her courtroom advocacy with expertise in alternative dispute resolution processes, including negotiation, mediation and judicial settlement conferences.

Charlene’s approach to resolving disputes is client centric, strategic, and commercial. She is known for working collaboratively with clients, taking the time to understand their business deeply and using that insight to tailor advice and pursue outcomes aligned with their objectives.

Charlotta Harpur

Rice Speir

Associate Director

Charlotta is a seasoned specialist civil litigation and dispute resolution solicitor. She has assisted councils to resolve disputes over the last 15 years, and is committed to finding solutions to a variety of claims and complaints and the best possible outcome for councils.

Charlotta understands the pressures councils face and provides pragmatic advice and innovative solutions to complex situations. She is a strong advocate with a track-record of good outcomes.

Craig Hill

Redtape

Director

Craig has been involved in advising on policy matters for a number of years, including 20 years on road safety policy and 10 years on building and construction policy, and has led a number of legislative change processes in both areas. He spent six months in the Beehive in the office of the Minister for Building and Construction in 2014.

Craig has spent the past few years contracting to government agencies on a range of regulatory policy/legislative issues including initial teacher education, maritime drug testing, freedom camping and new safety cameras. Craig maintains an active interest in building and construction issues, is a regular BOINZ conference attendee and assists BOINZ in making submissions on government policy proposals.

Daniel Scheibmair

Simpson Strong-Tie

Specification Engineer

Daniel joined Simpson Strong-Tie in early 2019 and is a member of Engineering NZ, holds CPEng status, has had various roles with manufacturers of Engineered Wood Products and structural connectors and fasteners. He is passionate about encouraging and supporting uptake of timber in commercial, industrial and multi-storey construction with involvement in numerous industry bodies and standards committees.

Dave Brunsdon

Kestrel Group

Director

Dave Brunsdon has a long involvement in both the seismic assessment of existing buildings and earthquake prone buildings regulations. He represented a number of government agencies on the recent EPB Review Steering Group, and is a technical advisor to MBIE on the development and implementation of the new system.

He currently provides strategic seismic risk and regulatory advice to a range of central government agencies, in addition to several city and district councils. This advice includes the risk evaluation of buildings with low seismic ratings to inform continued occupancy decisions by owners and users of the buildings.

Emelia Lukins

BOINZ

Training Facilitator

With over a decade dedicated to Building Control and Surveying, Emelia has spent her career at the forefront of technical decision-making and regulatory compliance. Her professional journey is defined by navigating high-stakes environments where the margin for error is non-existent and precision is paramount, cultivating a deep understanding of the complex requirements of the Building Regulatory environment.

Beyond the technicalities of the Building Code Emelia is a passionate advocate for the "human factor" in the Regulatory environment and within professional development. Leveraging her unique neurodivergent perspective, she has used her strengths to master complex regulatory frameworks.

Emelia is actively working to normalise conversations about Imposter Syndrome within the industry, recognising how our lived experiences fundamentally shape our professional identity and performance. As a respected Building Surveyor, a dedicated Training Facilitator for BOINZ, and the Wellington Branch Chair, she is committed to empowering her peers to help industry professionals transform "code hesitancy" into evidence-based confidence, fostering inclusive, resilient, and effective leadership.

Isabel Leeming

Meredith Connell

Content and Engagement Executive

Isabel Leeming is a Content and Engagement Executive at Meredith Connell, where she manages the local government team's marketing and communications practices.

A senior communications professional with a Master of Public Relations (First Class Honours) focused on ethical technology adoption, Isabel has spent her career navigating change. Moving from the USA to New Zealand at the beginning of her career taught her to adapt quickly. Pivoting across tertiary education, tech startups, engineering, and law taught her to learn new contexts fast and apply her skills in unfamiliar territory.

Jared McDowell

Co Lab Building Services

Workflow Manager

Jared McDowell is a construction industry professional with more than 15 years’ experience across construction, project management, and regulatory services. He’s widely recognised for strengthening alignment between the construction sector and regulators across Aotearoa - improving coordination, transparency, and service delivery.

In his role with the recently established Co Lab Building Services, Jared has played a key part in setting strategic direction. He’s helped embed systems that support consistent processes, clearer expectations, and more efficient coordination of BCA consent-processing overflow across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

With a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, Jared is committed to improving workflow efficiency, building regulatory capability, and championing future-ready practices.

His work shows how councils can adapt to reform while continuing to deliver a responsive, reliable consenting system for both industry and communities.

Jayson Ellis

Timaru District Council

Building Control Manager

Jayson Ellis became a qualified Carpenter in 1990 and has built a 40-year career across a wide range of building-related roles, from retail and construction through to managing building companies. His professional focus ultimately led him into building legislation and regulatory practice, where he found his true calling.

Since joining Timaru District Council in 2008, Jayson has worked across the full spectrum of building control functions, from processing and inspecting consents to leading the Building Consent Authority (BCA) for the past nine years. Innovation and continuous improvement have been central to his approach to delivering effective building regulatory services.

More recently, Jayson has established his own consultancy, specialising in building regulation, and works as a training facilitator for BOINZ. Supporting other BCAs, private clients, and sharing his knowledge with industry professionals allows him to give back to the industry that has shaped his career.

John Tian

Heaney & Partners

Senior Associate

John works with councils across New Zealand on civil litigation, building and construction disputes and regulatory risk. He frequently acts for local authorities in matters ranging from building defect and flooding claims to disputes arising from compliance and enforcement decisions under the Building Act 2004.

John works closely with council officers and has a strong understanding of how regulatory decisions are made and later assessed in dispute settings. His approach is practical and measured, informed by regular involvement in matters where council actions are closely examined and focused on helping councils manage risk and resolve issues effectively.

Kerry Walsh

Hurunui District Council

Manager Building and Property

Kerry Walsh is a Canterbury-based building control professional whose career began at just 18 years old. He trained in architectural draughting before completing both the NZ Certificate in Building Inspection and a Diploma in Building Surveying, establishing a solid technical foundation early in his career.

Kerry entered the sector through a cadetship at Waimakariri District Council, and from there worked across a range of building surveying and compliance roles at Queenstown Lakes District Council, Christchurch City Council, Prime Building Compliance and Waimakariri DC again.

Since 2010, he has been a key part of Hurunui District Council, where is now the Manager Building and Property. His work spans regulatory leadership, operational strategy, sector advocacy and championing continuous improvement in building control practice.

A Life Member of BOINZ, Kerry has contributed significantly to the profession through service as a Local Branch Chair, BOINZ Board Member and National President. His long-standing involvement reflects a commitment to lifting standards, shaping the future of building control and supporting the next generation of building officials.

Professor Kim Lovegrove

Lovegrove & Cotton

Chair of the International Building Quality Centre/Barrister

Professor Kim Lovegrove MSE, RML; Doctorate Litt (honoris causa), FRSN is an internationally recognised authority on building regulatory systems, with more than 40 years’ experience in construction law, regulatory reform, and institutional governance.

He has been engaged by the World Bank as a senior law-reform consultant, advising on best-practice building regulatory frameworks across major jurisdictions, including Shanghai, Beijing and Chongqing, and reviewing Malawi’s first-ever Building Act. His international advisory work also spans Africa and Asia, including invited contributions to national forums in Malaysia and expert reviews of Japan’s Standard Building Law for the Japanese Government.

In Australasia, Professor Lovegrove played a formative role in shaping modern building control and liability regimes in Australia and has more recently advised the New Zealand Government on proportionate liability and insurance reforms under the Building Act. He is the author of a forthcoming world-first practitioner text on proportionate liability, to be published by Thomson Reuters.

Professor Lovegrove is Chair of the International Building Quality Centre and practises as a barrister at FortyEight Shortland Chambers, Auckland.

Kirsty Wallace

Building Officials Institute of New Zealand

Professional Development Manager

Kirsty runs The Training Academy and works with BOINZ trainers to develop and deliver training on building surveying and controls. For six years Kirsty managed the Information and Education team in BSP at MBIE, including managing the education programme to support MBIE’s Canterbury Rebuild technical guidance. Her teaching experience includes teaching English to military on a Spanish Air Base.

An award-winning journalism postgraduate from the University of Queensland, Kirsty worked in Australia, the UK and Spain as a news journalist for print and online publications. Her background includes several years as a Marketing Associate for HSBC Asset Management in London along with public sector experience in the Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Building and Housing.

Malcolm MacMillan

Standards New Zealand

National Manager

Malcolm MacMillan leads Standards New Zealand. He is responsible for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation, ensuring its continued role as the independent and internationally recognised national standards body of New Zealand. Malcolm brings experience in strategic and operational leadership across a range of organisations and sectors. He has hands-on experience in standardisation, accreditation, certification, occupational licensing, registration, auditing, performance evaluation, and quality assurance frameworks and operations. 

Malcolm has witnessed the tangible benefits of standards across diverse sectors he has worked in, including building and construction, building control, health and safety, primary industries, housing, emergency response and recovery, aviation, and both central and local government regulatory functions.

Throughout his career, Malcolm has also represented New Zealand’s interest and needs on the international stage, including at inter-governmental forums, with international multi-lateral institutions, fronted select committees and cabinet meetings, and served on a range of industry and government advisory, inquiry, or oversight groups or committees. Malcolm is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership, setting the overall direction, and ensuring the effective implementation of Standards New Zealand’s mission and goals.

Matthew Duder

EBOSS

Managing Director, Owner

Established in 2006, EBOSS connects material suppliers with New Zealand’s architectural community through its extensive online technical product library, electronic publications and industry events.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the building sector, Matthew possesses a strong understanding of industry trends and market dynamics. He is particularly focused on how technology and data can improve product selection, strengthen compliance clarity, and enhance the overall quality of New Zealand’s built environment.

Neil Micklewood

Micklewood Consulting

Transformation & Human Systems Consultant, Clinical & Neuropsychologist

Neil Micklewood is an expert in behavioural science and organisational transformation with 17 years’ experience applying psychological science in complex, high-stakes environments across insurance, forensics, and government sectors. He blends neuropsychology and change management to design evidence-based strategies that improve efficiency, client access, and team performance.

Neil has delivered training to senior leaders, built communities of practice, and led system redesigns for diverse organisations. A governance advisor and member of the Global Psychology Alliance, he helps technical leaders balance service delivery with professional standards in challenging political and economic contexts.

Known for bridging technical rigour with human-centred approaches, Neil equips organisations to build psychological safety, strengthen decision-making, and achieve sustainable performance. Based in Kirikiriroa, he advises organisations on building adaptive, high-performing teams.

Paul Robertson

Heaney & Partners

Partner

Paul has practiced as a solicitor for almost 40 years, first in Wellington, then England (where he was admitted as a solicitor), Dunedin and now Auckland. While in the UK he practiced with a leading firm focusing on the liability of solicitors, engineers, building surveyors and valuers.

He joined Heaney & Partners’ predecessor firm in 1997 and was made a partner in 2013.

During the peak of the leaky building crisis Paul acted for most councils throughout New Zealand directly and on behalf of their insurers.

He continues to act for councils to resolve disputes that have recently ranged from tussles with engineers over whether a council should be able to rely upon their producer statements, to disputes concerning LIMs, flooding, and employment.

He appeared most recently in the Supreme Court to argue that a claim related to a LIM issued by a council should fail because the property owners did not file their claim within 6 years.

Battle hardened and cynical, Paul looks forward to sharing his views about the proposed changes to the law related to council liability.

Professor Rebecca Gravina

University of Queensland

Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Chair of Structural Engineering

Professor Rebecca Gravina is a leading expert in the performance, durability and decarbonisation of concrete infrastructure. With over 25 years of academic and consulting experience, she advances innovations in low carbon concrete, fibre reinforced polymers and recycled materials. Her research has influenced national and international standards, strengthening infrastructure resilience and supporting the circular economy.

Rebecca leads initiatives modernising Queensland’s transport infrastructure network and, as Executive Director of ACRS, ensures the integrity of critical steel supply chains. She also serves as Editor in Chief of the Australian Journal of Civil Engineering, is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and member of the Executive Committee of the International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC).

Richard Mills


Former Deputy Commissioner, London Fire Brigade

Richard Mills is a distinguished fire service executive with over 30 years in the London Fire Brigade (LFB), culminating in his role as Deputy Commissioner. A transformative leader, he spearheaded critical advancements in high-rise firefighting tactics, emergency response innovation, and firefighter safety. His leadership during major incidents, including the London riots, the Mandarin Oriental hotel fire, and the Grenfell Tower fire, demonstrates his expertise in crisis management and operational resilience.

A driving force behind modernisation, Richard led the implementation of the Fire Survival Guidance App, secured the Marauding Terrorist Agreement, and strengthened firefighter mental health support. His strategic oversight was pivotal in navigating LFB through the COVID-19 pandemic and shaping the future of fire service leadership.

Since retiring in 2022, Richard has become a sought-after international keynote speaker, guest lecturer, and corporate advisor. He specialises in leadership, organisational performance, operational resilience, and emergency preparedness, advising both public and private sector organisations on best practices in crisis leadership and strategic transformation.

Rob Campion

Window & Glass Association

Technical Manager

Rob Campion is the Technical Manager for the Window & Glass Association. With a life-long involvement in the industry he works closely with manufacturers, installers, designers, and regulators to support compliant window and glazing solutions. His expertise spans Code and Standards development, the interpretation of window and glazing standards, façade systems, and practical site application, aiding in bridging the gap between specification and installation. 

Rob is known for providing clear, evidence-based guidance on complex technical issues, supporting both innovation and risk management. Through his industry leadership, he contributes to improving confidence in window and glass systems across the construction environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

With the introduction of the Overseas Building Products legislation our compliance environment has changed considerably and at the Symposium, Rob will share the Association’s vision in this space, with the aim of assisting officials and practitioners in making more accurate calls at both consent and inspection, phases. Expect candid Q&A and practical tools.

Saskia Holditch

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Senior Fire Engineer

Saskia Holditch is a Senior Fire Engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in fire safety, spanning operational firefighting, prevention, and regulatory leadership across multiple jurisdictions.

Her career began in St. Maarten, where she managed fire suppression and prevention programmes, before moving to Ontario, Canada. There, she specialised in building inspections, regulatory enforcement, and public education.

Since relocating to New Zealand, Saskia has held senior public-sector roles, including three years as Fire Safety Officer for the Hutt Valley District Health Board. For the past seven years, she has been part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) Building System Performance team, contributing to the development and ongoing maintenance of the New Zealand Building Code and its compliance documents. Her work includes strategic planning, risk analysis, and extensive stakeholder engagement to support robust fire safety outcomes across the built environment.

An active contributor to national and international standards committees, Saskia has played a key role in shaping fire safety systems standards in New Zealand. She is passionate about advancing performance-based design and improving fire safety outcomes through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practice.

Simon Thomas

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Head of Building System Delivery and Assurance

Simon is legally qualified with a regulatory background encompassing privacy law, occupational regulation (including LBPs) and Building System Delivery and Assurance (BSDA). The BSDA team he leads is responsible for the regulation of BCAs, TAs, CodeMark, Multiproof, Determinations, Weathertight Services, the Earthquake Prone Building register, BPIRs, overseas building product recognition and product assurance more generally. His team also plays a key role in Building Emergency Management and serious building failure investigations.

Simon Waalkens

Rice Speir

Director and Local Government Specialist

Simon regularly acts for councils on civil claims and compliance and enforcement, as well as for regulators and disciplinary bodies. He has strong relationships with regulators and with councils across New Zealand and is passionate about helping councils address issues in an ever-challenging environment. 

Simon regularly presents to councils on topics as diverse as regulatory and compliance issues, civil litigation updates, insurance, risk management in the ‘as built’ space, the use of warrants and other available compliance tools.

Ulrickë Gibbs

Maynard Marks

Building Surveyor

Ulrickë is a Building Surveyor at Maynard Marks with a multidisciplinary background spanning building surveying, architectural design, and construction. Her work encompasses building condition assessments, asset management and maintenance planning, insurance reinstatement advice, remedial design, and expert input for dispute resolution.

Her professional experience spans healthcare, residential, commercial, and government assets, reflecting a practical understanding of various building types and performance issues. She draws on more than fifteen years’ experience as a Project Architect, giving her a solid grounding in design coordination, construction methodology, and regulatory compliance. This broad technical foundation supports a clear and considered approach to building related investigations and problem solving.

Ulrickë holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Sustainable Built Environment), a Diploma in Building Surveying, and a Bachelor of Architecture. She contributes to industry capability through her involvement in delivering the NZIBS Diploma module on Building Law & Regulations.

Veronica Dessein

Engineering New Zealand

Registrar

Veronica Dessein has served as Registrar at Engineering New Zealand since 2022, leading the country’s professional engineering assessment and registration processes and driving improvements that strengthen trust, clarity, and public confidence.

Wade Morris

Meredith Connell

Associate

Wade Morris, an Associate at Meredith Connell, is an experienced local government solicitor with particular expertise in regulatory compliance and civil litigation under the Building Act 2004. Working with local government clients around the country, Wade brings comprehensive understanding of both territorial authority and central government perspectives on building sector enforcement.

Wade's regulatory compliance experience includes appearing before various Tribunals and seeking civil orders in the District Court on behalf of Councils. His civil litigation practice spans defective building matters in the High Court and Christchurch Earthquake Insurance Tribunals, giving him unique insight into compliance and enforcement challenges in the building sector.

Prior to joining MC, Wade held in-house counsel roles within both central and local government, providing valuable perspective on how territorial authorities and central regulators can work together effectively.




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